Psychiatrist

Overview

Diagnoses, assesses, treats and prevents human mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Registration or licensing is required.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification, two years hospital-based training, and at least five years specialist study and training (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks

  • assessing patients' mental and physical status to determine the nature and extent of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders
  • assessing patients' medical, psychiatric and psychological histories
  • examining patients to determine general physical condition
  • ordering laboratory tests, imaging, neuropsychological tests and other diagnostic procedures
  • examining the results of tests and examinations to determine the most appropriate forms of treatment
  • prescribing and administering medication, psychotherapy, and other physical treatments and rehabilitation programs
  • arranging admission to hospitals and providing in-patient treatment
  • consulting, supervising and working with other Medical Practitioners and Health Professionals
  • determining whether patients require involuntary treatment in accordance with relevant mental health acts
  • assisting courts and other statutory bodies in managing patients in legal and forensic settings
  • teaching medical students and registrars, and assessing their progress by administering tests

Specialisations

  • Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Child Psychiatrist
  • Forensic Psychiatrist
  • Geriatric Psychiatrist
  • Medical Psychotherapist

Source: 1220.0 - ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition.
Note: The tasks associated with the occupation are to be used as guidance only. The tasks listing may include tasks associated with the grouping/category to which the occupation belongs.

Training Pathways

No courses found.